The family of a man stabbed to death near a playground, one of a string of fatal stabbings in south London, have paid tribute to an "adored" and "idolised" father and son.

38-year-old Rocky Djelal was attacked shortly before 2pm on Halloween (October 31) in Southwark Park, near the Gomm Road entrance, and died at the scene despite being treated by the London Ambulance Service and Air Ambulance.

A post-mortem the next day gave the cause of death as a stab wound and police have launched a direct appeal a week later (November 7) for more information to help them solve the crime.

Members of Rocky's family thanked everybody who had offered them "kind words, love and support" but said that their "hearts are broken and will never be the same again".

The entrance to Southwark Park on Gomm Road

In a joint statement, they said: "Thank you to all of the people who rushed to Rocky's aid in the park and made sure our boy was not alone in his final moments.

"Thank you to all of our friends and family who waited in the park with us while we waited for our boy to be taken away, we couldn't have done it without you.

"We are absolutely grief stricken. We have lost our boy, our son who we adored, a father who was idolised by his daughter, a brother who was loved dearly and an uncle, nephew and friend who was loved and respected.

"We are broken-hearted, we miss you so much and you will live in our heart's forever, we are so proud of you. We are so sorry if we let you down in anyway, you were always there for us."

Read More

Rocky's mum spoke of how she was "so proud" to have him as a son and "cherishes every moment that we shared".

She added: "Anyone who really new you knows you have a heart of gold and you'd do anything tho help those you love."

The family implored members of the public to come forward with information "no matter how insignificant", adding that they "would not want any other family to go through" the loss they have experienced.

Metropolitan Police have released CCTV footage of a suspect wanted for questioning and want to speak to anyone who might recognise the man, who escaped the scene via Gomm Road.

Police hope someone will recognise this suspect (Image: Met Police)

Witnesses have described the suspect as a white man, believed to be between 20 and 35 years old. He was wearing dark clothing with a hood covering his face and a fluorescent hi-vis vest over the top of his clothing.

Officers will return to the scene between 1pm and 4pm on Wednesday (November 7) to re-examine the area where Rocky lost his life and issue appeal leaflets to members of the public.

Detective Chief Inspector Simon Harding said: "We have released a short clip of CCTV footage of the man we want to speak to in relation to the fatal stabbing of Rocky Djelal, which shows the suspect in the park prior to the attack and then leaving shortly afterwards.

"I hope that by releasing the footage someone might recognise the suspect, his walk, his clothing or maybe his gait.

Video Loading

Video Unavailable

Click to playTap to play

The video will start in 8Cancel

Play now

"After leaving the park at 2pm, the suspect walks out onto Gomm Road and turns left onto Lower Road, passing in front of the Seven Islands Leisure Centre, before heading towards the large roundabout at the north end of Southwark Park close to the entrance to the Rotherhithe Tunnel.

"I'm sure that someone would have walked past him and I need these sorts of witnesses to come forward and help us piece together his movements.

"I also would like to hear from anyone who may have taken pictures or video on their mobile phones whilst in Southwark Park between 11am and 2.15pm on October 31.

"It was a clear sunny day and was of course Halloween which may make the public remember where they were."